Question
Hi. I'm having problems finding a plant that will do well in my
dining room--the location is a fairly narrow (only 2 1/2 ' wide)
south facing window. It gets a few hours of direct sun in the fall
and winter, but in summer the sun is so high that no direct sun
comes in at all.  I'm not sure if this is a low-light location or not.  
I have tried jade plants, spider plants, ficus, with little success.  
Plants don't die, but often look leggy or pale.  The plant I'm
seeking needs to be fairly small since it will sit on a table.  Any
suggestions of plant types would be appreciated!
Thank you :)

Answer
Clara,

I would suggest sansevieria, Chinese evergreen, peace lilly or a tuberous or fibrous begonia (grown for their beautiful leaves and not flowers). They are all low light plants. In the winter when the sun is more direct you may need to move those to a north window. Your jade plants, spider plants and ficus would do fine there in the winter and in the spring should be moved outdoors. Then bring them back indoors in the fall and move the low light plants to the north windows.

Good luck!
Darlene